ROOMS & SUITES: 20

The hotel is closed for renovations until April 2011. High on a gentle hill overlooking the peaceful Val d' Orcia and the distant 5,700 ft. summit of Tuscany's highest mountain peak, Mt. Amiata, is the breathtaking site of the newly reconstructed luxury boutique hotel, Castello di Velona.

An 11th century fortress and once the villa of famous Sienese families, the Castello di Velona is today an exclusive relais where history beautifully blends with art, viniculture and gastronomy. Siena is but a half-hour drive; you can listen to the Gregorian chant of monks in Sant' Antimo a short walk away; go wine tasting; relax in the library or frescoed chapel; cool off by the pool and, later, dine in the hotel's gourmet restaurant on the finest Tuscan cuisine sipping world-renowned wines of the region. Please note: Castello di Velona is closed during the months of December and January.

Highlights:

• Stunning location high on a hilltop, half an hour from Siena.
• An ancient fortress dating back to the Renaissance and medieval times, painstakingly restored into a modern luxury hotel.
• Luxurious guestrooms feature a fireplace and stunning view of the vineyards and valleys of the Tuscan countryside.
• Le Colonne, restaurant serves fine cuisine in the grand dining room or on the terrace, shaded by olive and cypress trees.

AFFILIATIONS

Small Luxury Hotels of the World

ACCOMMODATIONS

Presidential Suite - Large king size bedroom in fresco painted walls, separate large living room with fireplace, travertine bathroom. Valley and vineyard view.

Exclusive Suites - One or two bedrooms(king or twin bedded) with separate living room. Antique furniture, fireplace and oak beam ceiling. Travertine bathrooms. Some suites are duplex and have private terrace. Valley and vineyard view.

Junior Suites - Suites with large king size bed and separate sitting area. Antique furniture, fireplace and oak beam ceiling. Travertine bathrooms. Valley and vineyard view.

Deluxe Room - Double room with king size bed, welcoming entrance with closet, bathroom with a large bath. Valley or internal view.

LEISURE

On-site: Outdoor Swimming Pool with amazing view of the surrounding countryside

Nearby: Fishing - freshwater and big game, Horse racing, Horse riding, Mountain bikes, Pitch and putt golf, Tennis courts, Vineyard visit, Yoga.

EXPLORE

The Castello di Velona is an ideal starting point to explore the many mountain towns of the Val d'Orcia, a region that, during the summer months, is renowned for its many art exhibitions, theatre presentations, music concerts and village country fairs. A gentle undulating two-lane highway connects the Castello to various mountain villages – Montalcino, only 9 km away, and Montepulciano among the best known for their prized wines, and popular tourist destinations such as Castiglione d'Orcia, San Quirico d' Orcia, Pienza. Within walking distance from the castle is the extraordinarily beautiful Abbey of Sant'Antimo, founded originally in the ninth century by Benedictine monks. Finally, the Castello di Velona is a mere half hour drive from famed Siena.

AIRPORT

Florence-Peretola International Airport (FLR)

AIRPORT DISTANCE

80 miles/130 km/90 minutes

HIGH SEASON

May through October

PET POLICY

No pets allowed